Complete Digital Information & Resources

COPYRIGHT 1992 thru 2017 - David R. Woodsmall

** CLICKING ONCE on a Desired, Listed subject will take you to that information **

I started this web page to cover my interests in HDTV, High-quality Audio and Video,
Taking, Printing and Scanning of high-quality (digital) Photographs,
making backups of my personal CDs, and other such things.

I briefly mention various flavors of DRM/Copy Protection, because I
know too many people who have been burned by purchasing HD video
equipment that will not be able to view Blu-ray nor HD-DVD video
(see DRM and Copy Protection),
because their HD equipment does not support the new standards. I usually don't mention things that are obsolete or becoming obsolete.

This information is generally in Alphabetical order, including relevant definitions,
with the exception that HDTV is the first entry on this web page. All other entries are
in Alphabetical order - either use the index / jump table to get to an entry that interests you,
or scroll down, looking for information in alphabetical order.
Of course, you could also use your browser's search function

HDTVs THAT I LIKE

Toshiba 72 inch DLP Rear Projection HDTVs - You may not agree

HDTV REVIEWS (I know nothing about these links)

HDTV LoungeTHE REST OF MY DIGITAL INFORMATION WEB PAGE1.33:1 - Standard TV's 4 by 3aspect ratio.
1.33:1 = 4x3 = FULL SCREEN = NTSC (older, analog) screen aspect ratios.
1.37 - "Academy format" 35mm film (standard non-anamorphic full frame with sound)
has an aspect ratio of 1.37 to 1.
1.50 - VistaVision (obsolete)
1.66:1 - When a film is transferred to DVD in this aspect ratio, it will have very
small black bars on a standard 1.33:1 TV screen. European. Often called 1.671.78:1 - HDTV aspect ratio. Also called 16x9.
1.85:1 - American theatrical standard
Films transferred to DVD in this ratio will have somewhat larger black bars,
but still less than a third of the available space on a standard TV screen. Widely seen in the US.
Click for more info on 1.85:12-3 Pulldown - A method of translating material originally shot
at 24 frames per second (film) to 30 (really 29.97)frames per second (fps>)
(digital).
All movies shot on film have been shot at the rate of 24 frames per second.
Digital recording is done a 30 frames per second.
One of the (usual) tasks of Scalers is to convert from one speed to another.
Smart Scalers can detect the rate (24 or 30 fps) at which the video content
was originally shot, and using this knowledge, automatically adjust the video
signal to create a better looking picture.
2.35:1 - Films on DVD in this aspect ratio will have very large black bars, roughly 40%
of the available display area. Epic films and some new stuff.
Also called: Scope. Click for more info on 2.35:12.39:1 - Anamorphic widescreen.
"Academy format" 35mm film (standard non-anamorphic full frame with sound) has
an aspect ratio of 1.37 to 1.
3:1:1 - Color Sampling - The Luma is sampled at a rate of 75%, and each
of the two Color Componments are sampled at 1/3 the rate of the Luma signal.
See also Color Sampling3-2 Pulldown - An uncommon variation of 2-3 pulldown. The
frame is repeated 3 times, instead of the usual 2. People who say "3-2 Pulldown"
usually mean "2-3 pulldown".

AAC - Advanced Audio Coding

AAC is a compressed audio format. Can be lossy or lossless for full quality. Also contains
DRM to prevent playback on systems in the case of purchased music. AIFF is just a sound
format that predates AAC, MP3, etc. It is often associated with recording high quality sounds
or low quality sounds, depending on what sampling rate you choose. Neither one is inherently
low or high quality. Of course, if you like the sound, what else really matters.
.aac files are raw aac audio data (not encapsulated in MP4). (Doom9.org)
AAC files can easily be used to make M4A/MP4 files.

AC3

Active Matrix LCD Display

Active Matrix LCD displays generally have a brighter,
sharper display, and with their wider viewing angle than Passive Matrix Displays, Active Matrix computer
Displays can be seen by more than one person.
Because there are more transistors in an Active Matrix display, there is more of a
chance for dead pixels. There are tricks used to increase the lifespan of of a pixel.

Adobe RGB 1998

Aero - graphics card spec - a Windows Vista option

Microsoft has defined a new class of Windows Graphics Cards, called "Aero".
Microsoft Lists five quantities that a Windows Aero graphics card must have/do:
1] Run Direct-X 9 on a GPU (not using the CPU for Direct-X functions).
2] Utilize a WDDM driver (not a .sys driver).
But a WDDM driver must have OPM (Output Protection Management) - (DRM).
3] Support Pixel Shader 2.0
4] Utilize at least 32-bits of information per pixel.
5] Have sufficient memory.
AES - Audio Engineering Society.
AGC - Automatic Gain Control. Macrovision likes to mess with this, which
can cause the video being viewed to become lighter and darker
(not intended by the video editor, but a symptom of Macrovision).

AIE - Automatic Image Enhancement

Xerox has invented printer software that automatically adjusts
small areas in a picture, at a time, to correct contrast problems.
This technique is called local contrast enhancement. Xerox has
named their technique AIE - Automatic Image Enhancement. AIE will
soon be found in xerox printers, and may be included in image enhacement
software.
AIFF - Audio Interchange File Format - created by Apple computer.
AIFF is a sound format that predates AAC, MP3, etc.
What is AIFF? - webopediaAliasing - A distortion in the video or audio reproduction caused by having a signal's
frequency being more than twice the sampling frequency.

AMOLED

Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode.
A stack of organic polymers, including layers of conductive
and emissive layers are deposited on a Thin-Film Transister (TFT>
substrate (used in some LCD displays). each pixel is controlled by from one to four
transistors. The TFT technology provides the best resolution of all the flat-panel
techniques, but it is also the most expensive.
My friend just bought an LG 65 inch amoled HDTV - price over $ 12,000 - 7/18/2018.
AMOLED is the most likely form of OLED to be widely used in TVs.

ANALOG

An analog or analog signal is any variable signal continuous in both
time and amplitude. The analog signal can have any value, whereas Digital
signals are either an ON ('1') or OFF (0') (discrete signals)
Analog Signals - wikipedia

ARccOS - DVD-Video Copy Control

Sony's DVD-Video Copy Control.
ARccOS is based on producing unreadable sectors on the disc in the similar
manner to the Audio CD copy protections. In the strictest sense these DVDs
aren't actually DVD Video discs, but crippled discs that happen to work
on most DVD players.
ARccOS works by creating unreadable sectors on a DVD similarly to the method
used to protect audio CDs. These DVDs do not follow the DVD spec and I believe
that I read that Sony was being sued for calling their ARccOS protected DVDs,
"DVD's", as they violate the DVD specification. Sony apparently started using
ARccOS in 2004, and has supposedly moved on (Feb, 2006) to Root-Kits and other
forms of Digital Rights Management (DRM). However, Wikipedia states that some
DVDs Sony released in April, 2006, use AAccOS. Sony's ARccOS siteARccOS - afterdawnARccOS DRM - Wikipedia

ASA - Advanced Speaker Array (THX)

ASA is a proprietary THX technology which processes the sound fed to 2
side and 2 back surround sound speakers to optimize the THX experience.

ASF - Microsoft's proprietary audio/digital video format

ASPECT RATIO

The ratio of the number of horizontal scan lines vs vertical scan lines.
What are some common aspect ratios?Aspect ratio (image)
To top off the confusion about aspect ratios, now over 85% of all new Film Movies
being produced and released on DVD/Blu-ray are shot at a 2:35 ratio, so even a 16:9WILL have black bars! (unless some sort of aspect ratio cropping by the TV is done)
In Europe and Japan (12/2008) the 16:9 (1.78:1) aspect ratio is most broadcast
(and required by law, in some cases), but, of course, there is a huge legacy of
4:3 (12:9, 1.33:1) TV screens, so some broadcasters have used 14:9 for interim
transmissions. The trend is certainly towards 16:9. Although there have been
experiments in other aspect ratios, and 2.4:1 is still used in many blockbuster
movies, only 16:9 (and legacy 4:3) is in any broadcast standard.
As for existing TVs, the vast majority remain 4:3, though 16:9 is already a
substantial proportion. Some older widescreen LCDs (and a few other TV displays)
have 5:3 (1.67:1), 8:5 (1.6:1, often called 16:10), and 3:2 (1.5:1) aspect ratios.
Artifact - An introduced effect that was not present in the original video or audio.
Artifacts are sometimes called "noise", as they have corrupted the signal.
ASV - Audio Still Video - a still (not in motion) picture on a DVD-Audio disk.
An ATSC (Advanced Television Standard Committee) tuner just means "an over-the-air,
HDTV or digital TV tuner Note that a digital TV is not necessary an HDTV.

ATSC-H/M

ATSC-H/M is a new mobile TV specification that will
use a small portion of the HDTV spectrum to broadcast a
simultaneous, backward-compatible, mobile TV signal (digital)
for use on mobile devices. This spec is not yet (5/2007)
finalized.
ATV - Advanced Television. There is no standard meaning, other than ATVs have
significantly better audio and video than a standard TV (SD). I believe
that the term ATV is disappearing from American jargon.

AVCHD

A new (9/2006) HD format that uses the MPEG-4 AVC
video codec for camrecorders ONLY. At this time, 10/30/2006, only Sony software
can read this format. Word is Apple will update iMovie and Final Cut Pro to work
with it.
AVCHD - wikipedia

BACKLIGHT

backlighting
Backlights are used to increase readability in low light conditions,
Bi-amping: Two schemes exist to use multiple amplifiers in a traditional two-channel
audio system. You can dedicate one amp per channel [horizontal bi-amping] or dedicate
one amp for the tweeter/midrange band, the other for the bass register [vertical bi-amping].
Horizontal bi-amping requires identical amplifiers. Vertical bi-amping relegates the more
powerful amp to drive the left/right channel woofers while the smaller amp drives the mid/tweeter
drivers. Vertical bi-amping requires a means to adjust the output levels between both amps to avoid
that the more powerful amplifier will cause a tonal imbalance of bloated and excessive bass. Means
for adjustments are either input level controls on one of the amps or trim pots on an external
crossover. Non-identical amplifiers in vertical bi-amp schemes will add their unique sonic signature
to the respective frequency range they cover. This may or may not be audible and beneficial.
See also Bi-WiringBipolar/dipolar: A loudspeaker in which either the drivers' rear waves aren't absorbed
by a cabinet but allowed to freely propagate into the room, or rear-firing drivers have been added
instead. All panel loudspeakers [electrostats and planar-magnetics] radiate front and back, with all
backfiring radiation out-of-phase or dipolar. Dynamic designs with both front- and rear-firing drivers
can be in-phase/bipolar or out-of-phase/dipolar. Sometimes, a switch can select between either mode.
In designs using only front-firing conventional dynamic drivers that are mounted into an open-backed
baffle or where the rear wave exits through a tunnel, the rear-wave is naturally out-of-phase [examples
of this style are speakers by Alon and the new Futures by Proac].
bit - A binary digit - the smallest piece of digital data possible.
bit rate - The number of bits (data sent) measured over a specified time
- also called the data rate.
Bi-wiring: Speakers with dual binding post pairs can be bi-wired. This means running two
pairs of speaker cables between amp and speaker. This can be done in shotgun or internal bi-wire mode.
In shot-gun mode, both cable pairs remain physically separate up to the amplifier where the two
plus and minus legs are tied together into a common spade or banana terminal. Internally bi-wired cables
require a minimum of four conductors that are then terminated as two leads on the amp, and four leads
on the speaker end. Bi-wiring electrically separates the woofer from the tweeter or mid/tweeter circuit
and isolates potential back-EMF [electromotive force] from the woofer at the amp instead of bleeding
back into the tweeter or mid/tweeter circuit. Bi-wirable speakers connected in standard single-wire mode
must have their jumpers installed so that both the hi- and low frequency drive units receive amplifier
signal. In many cases, jumpers made with the same raw wire as the chosen speaker cable will sonically
outperform manufacturer-provided jumpers. The subject of bi-wiring is a disputed topic even among
loudspeaker manufacturer and the presence or absence of dual terminal pairs on a loudspeaker doesn't
give any indication as to the design's sonic quality. See also Bi-amping

Blurring (motion blur or ghosting )

1] If you have a TV, and it can not handle the fast motion of some of the
action scenes, resulting in blurring at the location of the fastest action.
I see this most often in LCD TVs and in some of the cheaper plasma sets.
a] For gamers and fast action movies, you want an LCD monitor with a response
time of 3 microsseconds, or LESS.
b] Faster LCD refresh rates help decrease pizelization - more expensive
LCD sets have a ACTUAL refresh rate of 120 Hz (120 times a second).
Some expensive LCD rates are even using quad-rate refreshing (240 Hz),
c) A lot of manufacturers are now using software to provide higher
effective Refresh Rates - the software does not work as well as a
tru, native, refresh rate of the same "speed".
See also 120 Hz

BROADBAND AMPLIFIERS - Fixing Weak Signals

Some of us have extensive broadband coaxial cable runs (HDTV, Digital TV,
TV and Road Runner). We end up splitting the cable signal a number of times
and often find that our signal strength has become too low for good TV
viewing or Internet connections.
Therefore, a lot of us are using Motorola's Signal Booster (amplifies both
analog and digital signals with a frequency range of 1 GHtz. This
amplifier can even be powered via the coax cable.
There is currently (7/10/2007) a $30 rebate on this amplifier, so I
suspect that it is being phased out. Rumour is, that a new model
that exceeds the current 1 GHtz frequency range is coming soon.
To check the signal level your ISP is providing to your Motorola Cable Modem:
Motorola's Cable Modem Diagnostics and Signal Level: http://192.168.100.1

BURN / BURNING

Using additional exposure to selected areas to make
those areas DARKER in the picture (pictures from film).
Using a laser to burn "pits" in CDs or DVDs, ie, a DVD burner
uses a laser to create content on a CD or DVD.
See also Burning DVDs

CableCARD

Since cableCARDs are superceded, You do NOT want to buy a device that
used CableCARDs (My OPINION) (as they may disappear) - instead, you
want a device that uses the newer "Tru2Way".
Televisions that support CableCARD should be labeled by the manufacturer as "digital
cable ready", or DCR.
HOWEVER, it is taking a heckova long time for TRU2WAY to become available (10/2012).There are two versions of CableCARDs:
S-CARD Single-Stream -for a single stream (can only view/record one channel at a time)
M-CARD Multi-Stream - For viewing/recording more than one channel at a time.What card type (Tru2Way? CableCARD?) does Your cable company
support? Will it continue to support CableCARDs (I doubt it -
they want you to spend money on interactive purchases).
CableCARD is an option for digital cable ready TVs that allows the User to get
(rent?) a card from their cable company to decode digital cable signals (no cable
box needed). NOTE that some TVs have problems accepting an area's given CableCARD.
Note also that not using a cable box means (PRE CableCARD 2.0) that you can't
access the cable company's on-screen channel guide, can't access video on demand
(pay-per-view), and don't always have dual tuners (so that you can watch one show
while you record another show). A CableCard slot is a PCMCIA slot.
NOTE; Many newer Digital/HDTV TVs use a QAM Tuner, which allows viewers to view
Digital NON Pay Channels (which are not encrypted).
Only CableCARD VERSION 2.0 (or later) allows user interaction (for example,
allows you to order a movie).
Previously once a cable company invested in the Head end equipment they
were locked into the STB's (Set Top Box) that were compatible. CableCARD
changes all that.
CableCARD 2.0 has been superseded by Tru2Way, also from CableCARD labs.CableCARD 1.0 supports only a single MPEG2 transport stream; i.e. single digital
tuner. The Single Stream card (S-Card) was previously called POD; "Point of
Deployment". It exists a special variant of PCMCIA. When power is applied the
card, it will look and act like a 16-bit PC memory card, albeit a very small one.
Only during configuration can the host determine that it is an S-Card. Once the
card has been identified, the host and S-Card change personalities and the
interface changes from PCMCIA to S-Card. The identification and configuration
step is required to allow graceful rejection of none S-Card's since this is a
PCMCIA interface.

CAV - Constant angular velocity

The rotation of the disk is kept at a constant speed,
thus causing the read/write data head travels a longer distance as it
moves away from the center of the disk.

CBR - Constant Bit Rate

Data compressed into a stream with a fixed data rate.
Thus while the rate is constant, the quality, due to the need for more or less compression
to maintain this constant bit rate, is allowed to vary.
CCI - Copy Control Information. Denotes if the data is allowed to be copied.

CD / DVD Burning Software - Commercial

The most common names in commercial DVD or CD creation software are:
CDBurnerXP - CDBurnerXP is a free application to burn CDs and DVDs,
including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs. It also includes the feature to burn
and create ISOs. See CDBurnerXP home siteCDBurnerXP DownloadsCDBurnerXP FAQNERO7 - I've been told that NERO 7 will NOT allow to create backups of
your own, purchased music CDs that employ the copy protection
flag. I understand that NERO does not want to help music
pirates, who does, but since NERO 7 seems to preclude making
a backup copy of your own purchased, music CD, so you can use
it in the car and (the same copy) at work (or for the kids),
without causing any wear and tear on your original purchase,
which is stored safely away, and not played:
I CAN NOT RECOMMEND NERO 7, Unless you need something only NERO has.
I've also read that NERO 6.6 does NOT have this problem.
Nero TutorialsROXIO'sEasy Media Creator 8 Suite - I do NOT know if the latest version
of Roxio, Roxio Easy media Creator 8 Suite, allows you to create one
backup copy of your purchased, copyrighted, music CD or not - you might
want to find out. I've heard that Easy Media Creator 7.5 does NOT have
this problem.
CGMS - Copy Generation Management. Also called Copy Guard Management.
CGMS/A is added to analog signals, such as line 21 of an NTSC frame.
CGMS/D is added to digital signals, for example, to FireWire.

CEC - Consumer Electronics Control

While CEC can be an actual data bus,
it is becoming better known as a feature of HDMI version 1.3a.

CinemaDNG - Open Digital Cinema File Format

Cinema 21:9 aspect ratio

"The 2012 Philips 56PFL9954H or Cinema 21:9 aspect ratio is one of a new breed of
HDTVs designed to playback movies in their native ultra-wide aspect ratio.
It eliminates the letterbox bars which usually occupy the top and bottom of
the screen so users can enjoy a more cinematic viewing experience."
"A 21:9 TV more closely mimics the 2.35:1 aspect ratio used in many movies,
so you will not see black bars above and below the image, as you do on
a 16:9 TV. Vizeo will sell 21:9 TVs in 2012" - Consumer Reports
CMI - Content Management Information

Color Depth

The number of levels of color that can be represented by a pixel.
The color depth of MPEG video in DVD is 24 bits. Color Depth is
sometimes expressed by the number of colors that can be displayed.

Color Difference

A pair of video signals that contain the color components minus the brightness component

COLOR SAMPLING

Color sampling is similar to color compression.
The humans can pick out details better in luma (black and white)
than in color. Because of this fact, it is possible to reduce
the color information in a recorded color picture without
sacraficing the picture quality. Color Sampling is usually
given as a set of three numbers representing the luma
sampling and the sampling of the two color components, for
example, 4:4:4.
The Color Components are the color difference components
(red and blue) derived from the original RGB signal.
The RGB video signal is converted into YCbCr (Y = Luma,
Cb = Blue portion of the signal, and Cr = the Red portion).

Component Video

consists of three video cables,
sometime refered to as YPrPb - they are usually colored Red, Blue and Green.
Component video can carry a better video signal than S-Video, but is not
quite as good as DVI or HDMI.
which is better, DVI (or HDMI) or component video?COMPOSITE VIDEO (CVBS) will give you a slightly better signal
than the standard 75 ohm Coax cable. A Composite-Video cable
is a single video cable with RCA plugs on its ends. CVBS
is an acronym for Color, Video, Blank and Sync, the four
components of Composite Vide.

Compression

The process of removing redundancies in digital data to reduce the amount of data that
must be stored or transmitted. See also LOSSY compression and LOSSLESS Compression.

Content Protection System Architecture (CPSA)

CPSA is supposed to promote
compatibility between various protection schemes. It can be argued that CPSA and other
associated content protection measures do away with your right to make a backup
copy of your purchased media (MMC)

CVI - Component Video Input

Philip's HD Component Video Input enables display of full 1080i high definition
video and 480p video (both are HDTV formats) from digital sources.
D/A and A/D - Digital to Analog converters, and vice-versa. Also called a DACDBS - digital broadcast satellite. Click for more information

DCDi - Directional Correlation Deinterlacing

A digital method invented by Faroudja to improve the quality of low
resolution images. See also DCDi at Wikipedia.
DCR - Digital Cable Ready - Requires a CableCARD and can
then receive HDTV signals over your cable.
DCT - Discrete cosine transform. DCT is a mathematical process used when encoding MPEG video.

Decoder

A circuit that decodes compressed audio or video,
A decoder may also be used to convert from one type of signal to another.

Digital-to-Analog Converter Settop Boxes (DACS)

DirectShow

A Microsoft standard used in Windows, developed to playback video and audio.

Direct View (TVs)

Images are displayed directly on the display media, such as
a TV tube or LCD display. These sets have a fixed-pixel screen, always
displaying the same number of pixels.
Disc - same as a Disk. Some people, especial the English,
use the term disc instead of disk. Other poepl use the term disc
for disks that can be removed from their drive, such as floppy disks, CDs, DVDs and
Optical Disks.
disc key - Used to decrypt/encrypt a title key on DVD-Video disks.
Disk - same as a Disc.

DLP - Digital Light Projector

An RPT type Invented by Texas Instruments.
DLP is now (September, 2006) Ten years old.
DLP currently (9/2006) hsa more than 50% of the Projection TV market.
New DLP chipsets (late 2006) are using SIX-COLORS - they added Cyan, Magenta
and Yellow to the usual Red, Green and Blue - ought to be outstanding.
Of course LED instead of mirrors DLP (LEDDLP) is coming on strong.
Some LEDDLP sets are actually shipping (11/2006).
LED DLP sets are expected to last 7 to 10 years before needed
any work. DLPs sets use special bulbs, which so far, seem to
last 1,000 to 2,000 hours before needing replacment.
DLP dot com - (Texas Instruments)

DMCA - Digital Millenium Copyright Act

(October 1998) Processes or devices intended specifically to circumvent
content protection are illegal in the USA and many other countries.
DMCA also makes it illegal to discuss how to defeat copy protection.

DOCSIS 2 - Fastest is 12.5 Mbps.

Time-Warner in Raleigh, NC is now DOCSIS 3.

DODGE / DODGING

A method of obtaining LIGHTER areas in a photograph, by masking
selected areas from exposure to light (film).

DOLBY - too many formats?

Dolby Has a lot of Codecs that are used to encode and
decode audio, so that the listener can hear sound coming from directions other than straight
in front (can hear surround sound) . Dolby was originally designed to compress audio signals
so that more dynamic range could be placed on a Cassete or Reel-to-Reel tape recording.
Dolby A - older cassette usage
Dolby B - older cassette usage
Dolby C - older cassette usage
Dolby Pro Logic IIDolby Pro Logic IIx - A newer technology enabling 6.1 or 7.1 multi-channel
channel playback from 2-channel of multi-channel
sources. Has Movie, Music and game modes.
Dolby Volume adjusts the sound signal to compensate for the fact that the
human ear hears high and low frequency sounds differently,
at low volume levels.
Dolby Digital (5.1 Surround Sound - previously called AC-3)Dolby Digital is often referred to as a 5.1 channel system. However, it must be noted that
term "Dolby Digital" refers to the digital encoding of the audio signal, not how many channels
it has. Dolby Digital can have any NUMBER OF CHANNELS - IT CAN EVEN BE MONOPHONIC.AC-3 is now called Dolby Digital 5.1 (Surround Sound)Dolby Digital (AC-3) timefordvd.comDolby Digital EX - adds (from Dolby 5.1) a 3rd surround channel that is placed
directly behind the listener, creating 6.1 from 5.1 by using a matrix decoder that
derives 3 surround channels from the 2 in the original recording. Dolby Digital EX
(AVR) setting should only be used with movie soundtracks recorded with Dolby Digital
Surround EX.Dolby Digital Plus - a very flexible codec that builds off the orginal (which
one is the original?) Dolby Digital technology. Dolby Digital Plus allows the content
producer to have a lot of options when they are encoding the various soundtracks for
their movies, so for the main track, they may chose to include a Dolby TrueHD sountrack,
but for bonus material, or perhaps for some sort of secondary audio, they might decide
that they don't require bit-for-bit quality and therefore chose a codec that makes use
of lossy compression.
Dolby THX - probably really means: "THX Surround EX", which is the
THX implementation of decoding Dolby Digital EX. Click here for more info

Dolby Digital 1.0

Dolby Digital 1.0 is mono audio (single track of audio information),

Dolby Digital 2.0 = Dolby 2.0 Surround Sound

Dolby 2.0 IS AC3 (AC3 is the old name).
2.0 is stereo. What do you mean by 2.0 surround?
It Means Dolby Surround (aka PL, PLII)-encoded 2.0.
Dolby 2.0 interests me, as it's something I've been curious about...
If 5.1 surround stands for FL, C, FR, SL, SR and ".1" for the LFE, then what
does 2.0 stand for? Using the same logic as 5.1, wouldn't you think it simply
means a left channel, a right channel, with ".0" representing nothing?!
Yep 2.0 is just that. Left and Right. No low frequency. Though it CAN include
surround information using Dolby Pro Logic. Its just not digital surround sound.
what exactly is Dolby Digital 2.0?
Is there a difference between this and regular stereo?
Dolby 2.0 is just two channel Dolby Digital. DD can be anything from 1.0 up to 5.1.
2.0 can be stereo, or it can be that the two channels are matrix encoded for Pro Logic.
Most decoders, when receiving a DD 2.0 source will give you the choice of
invoking Pro Logic (or Pro Logic II), or just playing it back un-altered.
Many HD TV broadcasts, as well as some movies via cable and satellite
(HBO for example) are in DD 2.0, and should be decoded in Pro Logic.
Dolby Digital 2.0 is stereo (in which Dolby Surround or Dolby Surround Pro-Logic can be encoded).
Dolby Digital (AC-3) and other forms of DolbyDolby 2 Prologic - doom9
What's "2.0 Prologic" ?
You mean...
1.) DolbyPrologic 2
2.) DolbyPrologic (2Ch)
3.) DolbyDigital 2.0
DolbyPrologic 2 is an decoding alogo. for listen 2ch audio on 5.1 systems.
DolbyPrologic is nothing else than an normal stereo file (2ch with special algo.) that can be decoded with a DolbyPrologic decoder...
DolbyDigital 2.0 is a DolbyDigital file like the ones on DVD's (5.1) but only in stereo (2Ch)

Dolby Digital 4.0

Dolby Digital 4.0 have discrete audio signals for the center, left, and
right channels, plus a mono audio signal that is common for the surround channels.

Dolby Digital 5.0

Dolby Digital 5.0 is like Dolby Digital 5.1, but lacks a discrete audio
signal for the low frequency effects channel.
Dolby TrueHD - Dolby's premium audio technology. 100% lossless -
(bit-for-bit identical to the original Hollywood master. Supposed to
be an 8.1 surround sound, but Dolby demoed a 14.1 system at CES 2006
- they used six speakers for different audio heights in the front.
Dolby TrueHD is optional on Blu-Ray DVDs.Dolby TrueHD is an required on HD-DVDs.
NOTE THAT CURRENT HDMI (version 1.2) connections can NOT handle
the high bandwidth of the TrueHDlosslesscodec. You will need HDMI
version 1.3, not yet available (5/2006).
Dolby Virtual Speaker - Dolby Labs has developed a way to create a fairly
accurate surround experience that gives the illusion that you are listening to a
complete surround speaker system, but is utilizing just two speakers and a subwoofer.
Dolby Headphone - Essentially Dolby Virtual Speaker for headphones.

Doublers / Doubling (Audio)

Some subwoolfers output their very lowest frequencies at a much lower
volume than their first upper harmonics, causing the listener to really hear only the first upper harmonics.
This doubles the frequency of the fundamental to be reproduced. Instead of hearing a 25Hz signal, you're
actually hearing its 50Hz first upper harmonic an octave higher. See also LINE DOUBLERS

Downsampling (also called subsampling)

To reduce spatial resolution by increasing the sample size - this results in
a file or chunk of data that is smaller in size, but not as good a quality as
the original.
DSD - Direct Stream Digital. Sony's alternative to PCM. Used for SACDs.

DSP

DTCP - Digital Transmission Content Protection

DTCP is the leading technology for protecting content sent over
digital connections. Often called 5C for the companies that developed it.
DTCP focuses on Firewire (IEEE 1394), but can be applied to other transmission protocols.
Under DTCP, devices that are digitally connected exchange keys and authentication
certificates to esablish a secure connection. Since encryption is done by the DVD
player, no encryption is needed on the DVD media (sounds risky to me).

DTS - Digital Theater Sound

DTS consists of several different codecs that can be used
to encode and decode audio signals to provide a high-quality surround sound.
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 is a true 6.1-channel format, as the back surround audio
channel is discretely encoded into the DTS bitstream.

DTS-HD - DTS High-Def

Agoura Hills, CA - based DTS (Digital Theater Systems, Inc.) has announced
"DTS-HD Master Audio," the new trademarked brand name for its lossless technology.
Previously known as "DTS++," the DTS-HD mark will denote media, source players and
decoders that are compliant with the next generation high definition disc formats,
Blu-ray Disc and High Definition DVD (HD-DVD). "DTS-HD is a set of extensions to
the Coherent Acoustics audio coding system, which also encompasses DTS Digital
Surround, DTS-ES, and DTS 96/24. The introduction of DTS-HD will provide
manufacturers and content providers with a complete range of DTS-branded technologies,
incorporating lossless technology for next generation formats," (press release).
DTV - Digital TV.
DTV usually displays both HD and SD and come in both common aspect ratios
(16:9 and 4:3). Note that DTV is NOT necessarily the same thing as HDTV.
See also ANTENNA informationSee also: 3D TelevisionDV - Digital Video - Sony and JVCs format. Originally called DVC.
DVB - Digital Video Broadcasting - a European standard.
DVCAM - Sony's proprietary version of DV.
DVCD - Double Length VCD - 100 minutes.

CAPTURING A SCREEN IMAGE FROM YOUR DVD

If no other method is available to you, try this one

1) it is not possible to capture a screen image from your DVD,
(this is possible wity some hardware and software)
as you watch it, by pressing the Print Screen button,
because DVD players avoid hogging all of your bandwidth
by writing directly to the VGA signal by a method called
"colorkey".
2) In order to capture the video from your (computer's) DVD
player, you need to be able to disable hardware accell-
eration in the DVD player application that you use,
(IF the option is available), which will force the
decoders to write to standard video memory.
3) With InterVideo WinDVD there is a command that captures
the movie frame as a picture. Friends of mine use it
sometimes and it was working OK.
WinDVD now allows users to capture a static image during
movie playback.
Press the "P" key at any time to capture a BMP file of a
moving or static image. Capture does not work on zoomed
regions and on some hardware motion compensation graphics
chips.
If you are having a problem, try disabling hardware motion
compensation and capturing again. Captured bitmaps are
stored in the Capture subdirectory of the WinDVD
directory on your hard drive.
Captured files are numbered sequentially: cap001.bmp,
cap002.bmp, and so on.
I tried it and it worked! - Robert Zurga
4) PowerDVD offers this disable hardware accelleration option,
which is very HANDY for taking a few shots when your
watch your movie.

DVI - Digital Visual Interface

(1) (Digital Visual Interface) A digital flat panel interface from the Digital Display
Working Group (www.ddwg.org). The DDWG was formed to create a universal standard for
attaching a flat panel monitor, and DVI is expected to become widely used. Based on
TMDS signaling, the final draft of DVI was introduced in early 1999. See flat panel
display and LVDS.
DVI-A - Carries the Analog DVI signal to an Analog Display.
DVI-D - Carries the Digital DVI signal to a Digital Display.
DVI-I - Carries both Analog and Digital on the same connector.
Pictures of DVI connectors
(2) (Digital Video Interactive) An earlier compression technique for data, audio and
full-motion video from Intel. It provided up to 72 minutes of full-screen video on
a CD-ROM with up to 100:1 compression ratio. Intel acquired DVI in 1988 from RCA's
Sarnoff Research labs in Princeton, New Jersey, but DVI never caught on.
DVI handles WXGA (the whole 1,280 x 768 pixels), anlog uses 983,040 pixels.
DVI TV connections are being replaced by HDMI. HDMImay be required to view HD
video, if certain AACS content management features are enabled by the content Author.
Click here for more DVI infoBUT if your HDTV has the first-generation DVI input,
you may have a big problem: First-generation DVI did not
support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Conent Protection)
back then, these early DVI connectors can't handle Blu-ray
or HD-DVDcopy protection. The result could be down-rezzing
or worse, a blank screen.which is better, DVI (or HDMI) or component video?DVNR - Digital Video Noise Reduction.

FILM Info (Video)

Film Formats (Video)IMDb Film GlossaryFiOS - Fiberoptic Service - HDTV over (telephone company) optical cables
FireWire = IEEE 1394 = iLink) - FireWire is often used to carry either signal, commands or both
in HDTV setups. FireWire was and is(?) the medium of choice for connecting video cameras.
FireWire can carry audio, video and control signals all in one high-speed connection.
Click here for more information on FireWire

FVD

GLOSSARIES - HDTV, HOME THEATER and Related Information

A lot of my HDTV related terms are listed in alphabetical order in this web
page - not all of these are listed in the Jump table at the top of the page.
MY other, large Technical Acronyms and Glossary information is located HERE.
SOME OTHER HDTV/HOME THEATER/AUDIO GLOSSARY SITES ARE:

HD-FM

New, Digital FM stations that broadcast a very good digital FM
signal with advanced audio encoding, such as Dolby Digital 5.1.
Currently, 6/2006, there are not very many of these stations or
HD-FM tuners available, although I see that Yahama just released
an AVR that can handle HD-FM.

HDMI

IDIOTS - Version numbers to be banned on HDMI cablesIDIOTS - Version numbers to be banned on HDMI cables - hdmi.org
HDMI will be a REQUIRED connection for viewing HDTV signals IF, certain
AACS advanced content media protection locks are enabled on your DVD
or High Definition (HD) video source. Both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD formats will
support AACS, and could have this viewing restriction enabled.
HDMI 1.4a includes the capability of carrying 3D signals to your TV
If your system (A/V Receiver, or HDMI cables) can NOT handle HDMI 1.4a,
the 3D signal will NOT be passed to your TV (which also needs to be
HDMI 1.4a compliant).HDMI Version 1.4 Spec is outHDMI Version 1.3c is outHDMI Version 1.3b is outHDMI Version 1.3a is now (9/2007) available in AV equipment.I PERSONALLY WOULD ACCEPT ONLY HDMI VERSION 1.4a or LATER (1/2012)Actually, I would always make certain that I had the latest HDMI version!A new (5/2006), ugly problem is that withOUT HDMI version
1.3 (released 6/22/2006), connection, your HDMI
probably can't handle the high speed, high bandwith of the newer
lossless AUDIO content used by Dolby's TrueHD and DTS from either
Blu-ray or HD-DVD.
HDMI supports 1080i and 1080p (and lower resolutions).
You can purchase a cable (adapter) to convert HDMI to DVI.
HDMI 1.2 is capable of transferring data at up to 5 Gbps.
In HDMI version 1.3, Speed increased to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps).
The danger with older HDTVs/Projectors, is that HDCP may disallow them from
being used because they don't come native with HDMI or DVI inputs. Luckily,
there are some guys who have started building HDCP compliant interface boards.
DVI and HDMI are completely compatable (I'm not so certain). Yes, HDMI is fully backward-compatible with
DVI using the CEA-861 profile for DTVs. The only signal difference (the connectors
are physically different) is that HDMI also carries the audio signal, along with
the video signal. DVI only carries the video signal.
So how do you get your digital audio signal into your HDMI enabled HDTV/Digital Dolby 5.1
AVR?
BUT if you your HDTV has the first-generation DVI input,
you may have a big problem: First-generation DVI did not
support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)
back then, these early DVI connectors can't handle Blu-ray
or HD-DVDcopy protection. The result could be down-rezzing
or worse, a blank screen.
From the start, HDMI was defined to carry 8-channels, of 192kHz, 24-bit uncompressed
audio, which exceeds all current consumer media formats. In addition, HDMI can carry
any flavor of compressed audio format such as Dolby or DTS. HDMI FAQ
HDMI cables can carry bi-directional signals, allowing a playback device to
interrogate the video monitor and determine what resolutions it can support,
and whether or not the display device supports any required Digital Rights
Management (DRM). This bi-directional connection can allow a "one-button play",
which where the push of a single button can turn on, configure and start
delivering content. Do not spend more than $10 for a standard HDMI cable.
HDMI.org's FAQThe Ins and Outs of HDMIHDMI - wikipediaWhat is HDMI switching? - cnetHDMI switcher roundup - CNETHDMI Video Bus - Info and PinoutsHDMI Swichers - Information about

HDMI Cables

Never spend more then about $10 for a standard 6 foot HDMI cable.
Since HDMI is digital, these ultra shielded, expensive
cables from your local HDTV store are a waste of money.
What HDMI cable should I buy? - CNET

HDMI CONNECTORS

There are now (11/2006) Three different HDMI connectors defined:
1] Type A HDMI Connector - 19 pins and bandwidth support for SDTV, EDTV and HDTV.
The connector is 13.9 mm wide by 4.45 mm high.
Type A is will work electronically with single-link DVI-D
2] Type B HDMI Connector - Allows a higher resolution than does Type A HDMI connector.
Type B has 29 pins (21.2 mm wide) and can carry very high
video resolutions, such as WQSXGA (3200x2048).
Type B is electronically compatiblewith dual-link DVI.
and was defined in HDMI version 1.0.
3] Type C HDMI mini-connector is intended for devices needing smaller sized plugs,
such as portable devices. It is the smallest of the HDMI
connectors at 10.42 mm by 2.42 mm, but still has the same
19 pin configuration. Type C was defined in HDMI version 1.3.
4] Type D HDMI Connector - an HDMI 1.4 Mini connector, uses the 19 pins of types A & B,
but is physically smaller.
HDMI Connectors - wikipedia

HDMI Version 1.3b1 - released 3/26/2007

HDMI Version 1.3b - released 11/9/2007

Version 1.3b is (7/2008) being tested by Manufacturers.
Q. What is the difference between HDMI 1.3 and HDMI 1.3a, or 1.3b
From HDMI.ORG: For consumers, there is no difference between HDMI version 1.3 and
1.3a or 1.3b. These minor revisions to the specification typically relate to
manufacturing or testing issues and do not impact features or functionality.
In addition, HDMI Licensing, LLC is actively working with manufacturers to reduce
confusion for consumers by de-emphasizing version numbers and focusing instead on
product features and functionality. PERSONALLY, I PREFER MANDATORY VERSION LABELLING.
Furthermore, I believe (MY OPINION) that only 1.3a, or later, seems to have the correct
CEC commands and CEC limits, along with sRGB range clarifications.

HDMI Version 1.3a

HDMI Version 1.3a was released in early November of 2006.
BUT, I have yet to personally see any gear supporting HDMI 1.3a (4/2008).
1] Removed undershoot and maximum rise/fall time limits.
2] RGB video quantization range clarification
3] CEC capacitance limits changed.
4] Makes Source termination recommendations.
5] Cable and Sink modifications for Type C
6] CEC CEC Commands for timer control brought back in an altered protocol,
audio control commands were added in HDMI 1.3a.
ALSO KNOWN AS HDMI-CEC.
Samsung calls HDMI-CEC Anynet+
HDMI 1.3a can utilize CEC to control all CEC smart AV devices
via a single remote control. HDMI version 1.3a contains CEC (HDMI-CEC).
7] A HDMI 1.3a Test Specification was released along with the 1.3a spec.
AfterDawn.com: Guides: HDMI - High-Definition Multimedia InterfaceDesigning CEC into your next HDMI ProductCheat Sheet: HDMI-CEC

HDMI 1.3 was released 6/22/2006

HDMI 1.3 is what you need for new Blu-ray and HD-DVDs.
HDMI 1.3 is backwards compatible, and includes these enhancments:
1] Speed increased to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps).
2] Deep Color - optionally supports 30, 36 and 48-bit RBB or YCbCr color - up from 24 bit color.
Deep Color increases the number of available colors within the boundaries
defined by the RGB or YCbCr color space, while xvYCC expands the available
range (limits) to allow the display of colors that meet and exceed what human
eyes can recognize.
3] Broader Color Space - HDMI 1.3 removes virtually all limits on color selection.
Next-generation xvYCC color space supports 1.8 times
as many colors as existing HDTV signals.
A] Lets HDTVs and other displays go from millions of colors to billions of colors
B] Eliminates on-screen color banding, for smooth tonal transitions and subtle gradations
between colors
C] Enables increased contrast ratio
D] Can represent many times more shades of gray between black and white.
At 30-bit pixel depth, four times more shades of gray would be the minimum, and
the typical improvement would be eight times or more
4] Faster Frame Rates - rates can be increased from the standard
60 Hz frame rate, to at least 72 Hz (as some Pioneer
Plasma sets can currently [12/2006] support).
5] New mini connector
6] Lip Sync - can automatically synch speech and video
7] New lossless audio formats: can carry Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
(These will be on the new HD Blu-ray and HD-DVD disks - SO WE NEED HDMI 1.3.)
Sony's PlayStation 3 will debut with HDMI 1.3 (NOT 1.3a, with Pioneer Receivers
using HDMI version 1.3 in the Summer of 2007. ENSURE that you will NOT need any
features of HDMI 1.3a in your Blu-ray DVD player.
Editorial: The Secret HDMI Pact - teamxboxHDMI Cables: An Overviewoctavainc - HDMI switchers - my friends love theseHDMI FAQHDMI PINOUTS
HDMI 1.3 announced 6/22/2006
HDMI 1.3 Doubles Bandwidth, Delivers Billions of Colors for HDTVsHDMI Connectors & CablesHDMI 1.3a & 1.4 SpecificationsThe HDMI 1.2a Spec is out (12/2005). HDMI orgwhich is better, DVI (or HDMI) or component video?

FUTURE HDMI ENHANCEMENTS (all backwards compatible)

HDMI connectors will now be put through certification program
(some companies have made them fit a little to loosely). A new HDMI specification, 1.3
includes support for 30-bit, 36-bit and even 48-bit color depth.
The new version of HDMI will also enable automatic lip-sync correction
(eliminating lip-syncing problems caused by your home entertainment system.
There will be a new min-connector for portable devices.
HDMI Interface - A Beginner's Guide - does NOT discuss HDMI version 1.3HDMI - wikipediaHDMI - afterdawnHDMIG = High Performance HDMI Male to Male HDTV Digital A/V Certified Gold Cable
HDVI - Cables that convert HDMI to DVI

HOME THEATER INFO

HQV - Hollywood Quality Video

The Realta Image-processing chip can enable viewers to get HQV
from much lower resolution video sources. See also Silicon Optix's Realta.
HTIB - Home Theater In a Box
IDTV = Integrated Digital Television = IDTV nothing new, just means that
the Tuner(s) is integrated into the TV, no need for a settop box, although you
will need a CablecARD (one per tuner) and have to have your signal provider supply
you with it (probably rented - i.e., monthly charge, rather than a one-time charge).

INTEGRATED HDTV

Integrated HDTVs have a built-in HDTV receiver
that can handle both ATSC TV and HDTV signals (broadcast over the air).
lines are displayed at a time, and all lines are displayed 30 times a minutes
(standard TV). HDTV and other formats may not display 50% of the lines every
other time (it complicated when converting both picture size and resolution).
Interlaced video, required for NTSC (analog) TV broadcasts, depended on the long
persistance of the phosphors used in the picture tube to create the illusion
that these phosphors were always on. This trait allowed NTSC TVs to first show
half of the video lines on the TV, say the odd-numbered lines, and then display
the even-numbered lines (this is called interlaced video).
If the display is refreshed often enough, and the phosphers are visable most of
the time, the human eye puts the odd and even numbered video lines together, and
we think that we see the entire video display.
Interlaced - CNETPersistence of vision - WikipediaInterlaced - Wikipedia

IPHONE S4 CASES

iPOD

INTERLACED

Not all vertical lines of the video picture are displayed at once. Usually half the

IRE - International Reference Units

IRE is a measurement of amplitude in video signals. Black is defined as 0 (zero)
or 7.5 IRE (depending on the situation). White is defined as 100 IRE.
All brightness levels are included in the range of zero to 100.

LOSSY DATA COMPRESSION (ENCODING)

A compression technique that does not decompress data back to 100% of the original.
Lossy compressed data can not be decompressed back to it's orignal
signal - the file shrinks through the loss of data - some loss always
occurs. The amount of loss depends upon the amount of compression, the
algorithms used, and the type of data.
Lossy compression provides a high degree of compression. The most
loss that can be tolerated provides the most compression (smaller files).
lossy compression (SCROLL DOWN) - Answers.com

MLP - Meridian Lossless Packing

Used in DVD-Audio to remove redundancy from
PCM auio signals - results in a compression ration of about 2:1 while
allowing for 100% (total signal reconstruction) decompression by the
MLP decoder.

MMC - Mandatory Managed Copy

MMC lets you make at least one copy of an HD-DVD
or Blu-Ray disc to send to a server or a portable player. MMC is very important
to computer companies, such as Microsoft and Intel, who want people to be able
to use media-Center PCs to store and broadcast (in the house) High Definition
movies. Both Blu-ray and HD-DVD support MMC, it is not clear under what
conditions, if any, you will be able to make your one legal copy, or if the
copies will be free. TBD (To Be determined).

Making MOVIES

MP3 and MP3Pro

MP3 - MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3

The typical MP3 file bit rate is 128Kbps.

MP3 Pro

combines MP3 with SBR.
MP3Pro was developed by the makers of the MP3 spec, to defeat the growing
number of competing compression standards that offered better sound
quality and smaller files than does MP3.
You may be interested in AllofMP3
Supposedly, MP3Pro files offer 128-bit sound quality at a 64Kbps encoding
rate, which roughly translates to better quality files (sound) that are
half the size of MP3 files.

MTS - Video Files - AVCHD media packed inside MPEG2 file containers

I suggest that you read FROM: http://forums.techarena.in/media-player/709739.htm,
There is a lot of good MTS information there.
"FFDShow works just fine.
I hear Google's Picasa plays MTS files.
Would you need a proper Hdcp video card to play those files I wonder?
Just have a try with the powerful mts file converter, convert mts can be done perfectly!
VLC play well MTS files, but it must be VLC version 1.0.5, the last one available today for free on many places on internet. Also I must have 2G of ram on my PC.
VLC (videolan) is and always has been free software as in beer (as
well as-in open source free)
The best place to get a tamper-free version of VLC is their own
website http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ not some random file site out on
the interwebs.
Sorry forgot to post my results !! I tried the following and it worked perfect. converted all the files to *.avi with HD and it's great !! Program is: Xilisoft Video Convertor Ultimate 6. Recommend this program !!"
I simply gave up of all the free stuff from Google search. In the end, I turn to an affordable AVCHD MTS/M2TS Converter from Aunsoft Studio. Lucky for me. The program turns out to be a solid and flexible MTS converter with excellent output quality for my WMP. More than that, it's also a great MTS/M2TS joiner with function of deinterlacing AVCHD files.
I suggest you convert the MTS files for editing and playing purposes as working with raw MTS files is too slow. I'm using Pavtube MTS Converter to convert the HD mts video taken from Sony Handycam. The speed and quality was fine for my purposes. The software was very easy to use and I had no issues with converting my files. you can try it. It has windows and mac version.
Anyway...if you want to use a custom profile when saving
in Movie Maker...have a look at the following info/articles.
To find the advanced options...
Type...Ctrl+P to open the Save Movie Wizard /
Choose...My Computer /
Next /
Enter a Name and a Save Location /
Next /
Show More Choices /
Other Settings /
Open the drop window to display the choices.
The 1024x768 profile you can download from the
following site would be a good choice. The name
of it is: SlideShow-1024x768WMV9
Once you download the .prx profile...place it in the
following folder:
C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\shared\profiles
If the Profiles folder doesn't exist...you'll have to create it.
Movie Maker 2 - Saving
Movies - Custom WMV Profiles
http://tinyurl.com/s2vgu
or...
http://www.papajohn.org/MM2-SavingMo...mProfiles.html
Creating Custom Profiles
for Windows Movie Maker 2
http://tinyurl.com/cuny7
or...
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...omprofile.mspx
--
J. Inzer MS-MVP
Digital Media Experience
Microsoft's Movie Maker will rotate movie clips 90' but you must have XP installed. You can rotate video clips in Windows Movie Maker by doing the following:
1. Import the video clip into Movie Maker.
2. Drag the imported video clip and drop it onto the timeline.
3. On the Tools menu, click Video Effects.
4. To rotate the video clip to the right, drag the Rotate 90' video effect and drop it onto the movie on the timeline.
5. On the File menu, click Save Movie File and follow the instructions in the Save Movie Wizard.
For detailed instructions, see Windows Movie Maker Help.
Quote:
Note that you may need to adjust the pixel aspect ratio of your rotated video so that it looks normal during playback.
- FROM: http://forums.techarena.in/media-player/709739.htmMTS video clip files - Media Player - forums.techarenaConvert MTS Video

OCAP - OpenCable Applications Platform

OCAP is supposed to enable manufacturers of interactive TV and
programs to provide support for all functions allowed on the
cable company's network. The currrent OCAP 1.0 specification was
issued in late 2001. OCAP Primer

OPM - Output Protection Management (Microsoft DRM)

PVP = Protected Video Path. Click here for more PVP informationPAP = Protected Audio Path.
PVP-UAB = PVP User-Accessible Bus. Click here for more PVP-UAB informationSAP = Secure Audio Path
PUMA = Protected User Mode Audio
Note that no OPM functions are allowed until a Hardware Functionality Scan
(HFS) confirms that required (typically HDCP and OPM for computers) DRM
handling exists.
Optical Digital Audio Connectors - all optical audio connectors for
the USA are 6 mm. This is the larger TOSlink connector, not the smaller,
"mini-optical connector. (I'm told that since all connectors in the USA are
supposed to be 6mm (TOSlink), there should be no confusion.)
TOSlink is capable of carrying TWO decompressed PCM audio data, or
5.1 channels of Dolby Digital or DTS-encoded audio data. To cary
eight channels of uncompressed PCM audio, you need four S/PDIF or TOSlink
connections, all working together (this is not happening).
OTA - Over The Air (broadcast) TV shows.
See also: Terrestrial (OTA) Antennas & Tuners - LOTS more information here.
See also: Information about your local, over-the-air TV channels - RabbitEars.info
See also: See also ANTENNASOTT - In broadcasting, over-the-top content (OTT) refers to delivery of audio, video,
and other media over the Internet without the involvement of a multiple-system
operator in the control or distribution of the content. - OTT- Wikipedia
Over-the-top (OTT) services: Netflix, Amazon Prime and HBO Go.
Is OTT video squeezing your network? - Infographic

PCM (Linear PCM)

Pulse Code Modulation.
Linear PCM is a signal format which digitizes an anlog audio signal,
records and transmits the signal without using any compression.
Linear PCM is one method used when recording the audio portion of
CDs and DVDs. The analog signal is encoded as pulses and then
modulated for recording.

PIXELS (also called PELs)

Each horizontal line displayed on a TV or Monitor consists
of tiny dots, called "pixels". These pixels can be turned off, red, blue or green.
To get the total pixel count, multiple the largest number of pixels that can be
displayed on the horizontal line, with the number of vertical lines. Note that
some displays, such as CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes) or LCD displays have a fixed
number of pixels. Other types of displays, such as RPT sets, can display a
variable number of pixels.
Pixels generally come in one of two shapes: Square or Rectangular.
Since TVs/Monitors generally have more horizontal lines than vertical lines,
rectangular pixels was usually the type used. Computer monitors and HDTVs
use Square pixels, as they work better for Progressive Scan display modes
(the picture looks better).
THE TELEVISION PIXEL PAGE

PlayReady DRM

Microsoft announced PlayReady, a new Digital Rights Management (DRM)
system to allow the use of DRM protected content on multiple
devices for a single fee. PlayReady may not be in commercial
use for some time. It could be used on any platform (any
operating system, any heardware [if so programmed]).
PlayReady DRM- C/NetPOP - Picture-Out-of-Picture - uses about three-quarters of the screen to display one
channel and then shrinks down the other channel to display it in the remaining space. This leaves
black bars at the top and bottom of the screen where the secondary channel displays, but unlike
PIP, there is no window covering a portion of the first channel. See also PAP.

PROGRESSIVE / PROGRESSIVE SCAN

All lines of a video picture are displayed at once, from top to bottom,
instead of displaying some, then displaying the others (interlaced).
Regular (analog/NTSC) TV is interlaced, and refreshes the display of
50% of the lines once, sixty times per minute. Some TVs/Monitors will
de-interlace interlaced
video, to create progressive scan video. Interlace vs. Progressive Scanning

PSIP

program and system information protocol. Within their signal, digital stations
send channel remapping info via something called PSIP.
If I'm tuning to ch 45 to watch HDTV, why does the display say 7.1PVR - Personal Video Recorder.
I see no real difference between a PVR and a DVRPVP-OPM
Protected Video Path Output Protection Management.
Downgrades video resolutionor blocks tghe picture entirely if the connected
display doesn't support content protection.
PVP-UAB
Protected Video Path User-Accessable Bus.
Encrypts video content as it passes over the PCi-Express bus from the high-def
disc to prevent other PCI Express devices from intercepting the video stream.

RF (Radio Frequency) - New Remote Control Specification

A new RF Remote Control protocol is being developed (6/2008) to
handle more advanced functionality (which can not be handled by
today's protocols. The new protocol (standard) will be based on
the IEEE 802.15.4. MAC/PHY radio technology specification in
the 2.4-GHz frequency band.
New RF remote control spec planned for consumer devicesRGBHV - An RGBHV cable splits the video signal into five (5) parts,
red, green and blue color information, plus horizontal and vertical sync info.
These five cables are usually terminated with either RCA or BNC connectors.

ROUTERS - Home & Small Office

Desired ("REQUIRED") Router Capabilities (MY opinions)

ROUTER VULNERABILITIES / SECURITY1] Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
2] NAT - (Network Address Translation) is the translation of an Internet Protocol address (IP address)
used within one network to a different IP address known within another network.
4] Protocols must include: DHCP, PPPoE, TCP
5] At least Four (4) Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) Ports for computers, TiVos, etc. (plus one for your Cable/DSL Modem)
6] HTTP - GUI management (manage Router via your web browser)
7] Auto-sensing Ports (both "Polarity" (MDI/MDI-X) and Speed)
8) Features:
VPN Pass-Thru (allow VPN connections to go through the Firewall)
Firewall Protection - You NEED a Hardware FirewallDHCP Server
Auto-uplink
auto MDI/MDI-X) (straight-through or Cross over detection & Connection)
9) QoS
10) If it is a wireless router, it needs to support WPA2encryption.
11) I would consider a Gigabit Router - the prices have come down a lot.
A Gigabit Router will only improve throughput if it is connected
via Gigabit Ethernet connections between two devices on your network
- in other words, a really typical home user will have no use for one.
Notes: Unless you have/install Gigabit Ethernet cards and CAT6 Ethernet
cables, a Gigabit Router will NOT increase your throughput.
Unless you now, or later, want to transfer large files or
run streaming video through your router, a Gigabit Router
will NOT really be useful (so perhaps you do NOT want one).
NOTE - I highly recommend NOT (my opinion) buying a Router with an LCD screen.
My Opinions on these LCD screens also applys to LCD panels on UPS/AVR systems.
1] It adds to the cost of the device.
2] These LCD screens take power to run
3] Just something else to break
4] You don't need this information - get it from normal lights or a web browser connection.
5] They can be hard to read
6] or it might be on the "wrong" side of the Router in your setup, so you can't readily see it.
NICE ROUTER FEATURES TO HAVE:
1] Deep Packet Inspection - probably impossible to CURRENTLY (1/2010) find on a reasonably
priced Router DPI will come with the next generation Routers.
2] A mechanism for prioritizing packets (ONLY if you do unique things, like VoIP, Gaming,
streaming video) and these packets run through your Router.
See also: Router Reviews - Home / Small OfficeSee also: Routers / Switches / Hubs - EnterpriseROUTING

RPC2

Because RPC1 did not provide Regional Management (DVD's made for
one region can not be played on a DVD player made for another region),
RPC2 was developed. All (DVD) drive manufacturers are required to implement RPC2.
RPC2 drives maintain the region code and region change count (region codes
can be changed 5 times), in the drive firmware. After the five times, only the
manufacturer can change region code.
RPC2 has four region states:
1] None - the drive region has not yet been set.
2] Set - the drive region code has been set.
3] Last Chance - the region-setting counter is '1', and the drive region can
be set one more time (The counter starts at '5', and is decremented when
a region code change is made).
4] Permanent - The region-setting counter is '0', and the region can no longer
be changed.

SACD

Sony's high-resolution audio format that's was competing with DVD-A
to eventually replace CDs. SACD discs are not backwards-compatible with current
CD players. However, dual-layer hybrid discs have been introduced that allow a
SACD player to access the high-resolution layer and a standard CD player to play
back the regular top layer. Music companies are dis-continuing support for SACD.Sample Rate - The number of times a digital sample is taken per second (Hertz).
SAP - Secondary Audio Program. Some TVs and DVDs can handle SAP, which
is usually is used to present the audio portion of the program in another
language, such as Spanish.
SBR - Spectral Band Replication

SCAN RATE

Modern Displays are tending to use 120 Hz scan rates.
Modern scan rate converters often upgrade standard 60 Hz signals to 120 Hz.
Some higher-end LCD sets are using 240 hz scan rates to overcome
blurring during display of high speed action movies.
Scan rateScan rate conversion - PDFGeneral 120hz and DVD questionTrick play using crt scan modes inventionSCMS - Serial copy management system, used to limit the number of
copies that can be made from copies.
SD - Standard Definition (DVD) - a maximum of 480i.
If the TV has a vertical resolution of less than 480p, but it can handle DTV
signals (even though signals with higher resolutions will be downconverted to
fit the display's resolution), the TV is considered a Standard Definition TV (SDTV).
SDMI - Secure Digital Music Initiative.

SONY PS3 UPGRADES (HDDs)

SPDC - Self-Protecting Digital Content

"Cryptography Research's" proposed self-protecting digital Content scheme. At
startup, each playback device loads SPDC decryption software into a security virtual
machine. In the event that the security handling software is "cracked" (defeated),
new SPDC software, that operates differently, can be created for managing newer DVDs -
this ability to change the decryption techniques would allow content vendors to
side-step known decryption cracks. In other words, your expensive HD playing device
might no longer be allowed to play new HD content.
The ramifications, as I understand them, are horrible. If "Joe" cracks the decryption
algorithm for your "expensive gadget", the content vendors could make your "expensive
gadget" not able to play any new HD content, forcing you to buy another, newer,
"expensive gadget", even though you did not circumvent the SPDC decryption software.
The managers of "SPDC" software would include a list of black-listed HD devices in
their HD media. If your HD equipment's decryption software was cracked by anyone,
and the makers of SPDC software found out, they could blacklist your device, making
it useless for playing newer HD media.
SPDC is available on Sony's Blu-ray (of course), but NOT on HD-DVD.
S/PDIFThe Sony/Philips digital interface, employed as a 75 Ohm RCA-type digital output
on transports or CD/DVD players.

SPEAKER PLACEMENT (Surround Sound)

SPEAKER TYPES

DIRECT RADIATING - any speaker that's not a Dipole, Bipole,
or Omnipolar. Most speakers were direct-radiating until THX
recommended Dipole surround speakers
BIPOLAR Speakers radiate sound equally, and in phase
(same polarity) in two directions.
DIPOLAR speakers radiate sound equally in two directions,
but with opposite polarity (phase), creating a diffuse sound.
Dipolar speakers are recommended by THX for surround sound
channels in home theater systems.
OMNIPOLAR speakers radiate sound equally in all directions
(trademarked).
ELECTROSTATIC speakers have a large, flat plastic panel that
moves back and forth between the positive and negative poles.
Requires an AC outlet for power.
HYBRID ELECTROSTATIC speakers use a cone woofer to increase
base response.
PLANAR-MAGNETIC speakers differ from Electrostatic speakers,
except that they use metal ribbons instead of panels and don't need
to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Also called RIBBON speakers.

SCART - 21-pin EuroSCART AV connector

SCART was developed by the French and is the most common
AV connector used in Europe.
SCART - wikipedia

WHOLE HOUSE Surge Protectors

Unlike the smaller, Surge Protectors that plug into
an electrical outlet, and protect a few pieces of electronic equipment, Whole House
Surge Protectors hook up to both 120 volt lines in your circuit breaker
box, and provide some protection to all electrical equipment connected
to the house circuit breaker box.
In my opinion, while these whole house protectors are very useful, I
feel that they do not react as quickly as the GOOD outlet type of surge
protector (my guess, $100 - $10,000). Since I can't find any specs
for the Clamping Time of the units I have looked at lately, I can not
really confirm this personal opinion.
We have recently installed an Intermatic PanelGuard whole house
residential Surge Protector, model #IG3240RC, normally about $ 140 ??
I have seen no reviews of any surge protectors, so I don't know how
good this one is - at least it is heavy. It is supposed to handle 60,000
AMPs per voltage leg:
1] Hot to Ground
2] Common to Ground
3] Hot to Common
For a total of 180,000 AMPs of surge protection. Since it uses 14
gage wire for it's connections (like all of the other such products,
I think???), it obviously can only shunt excess voltage (surges) for
a short time. It has a NEMA 4 metal enclosure (I'll have to track
down that specification). It meets NEC Section 285 (25 kAIC fault
currrent level).
Protection Modes: L1-G, L1-N, L2-G, L2-N, N-G and L1-L2.
Clamping Voltage: 330 Volts Peak L-N
330 Volts Peak L-G
330 Volts Peak N-G
660 Volts Peak L-L
I noticed that Home Depot has (a different) one in their catalog.
See also: Appliance Electricity Consumption Calculator
See also: Electrical (House / Home) Wiring
See also: GFI /GFCI / RCCB - Ground Fault Interrupters
See also: Natural Gas Electric Backup Generators
See also: Power Cleaners
See also: Surge Protectors
See also: UPS and AVRs

S-video

S-VHS (Super VHS)

sYCC

sYCC is simply YCC created from sRGB.
sYCC saves file size for otherwise huge TIF files. It makes no sense to select it
for JPG since JPG already incorporates it for free. Click here for more sYCC information.
sYCC specification - pdfSync - A video signal whose information is used to synchronize the
picture for displaying correctly.
TDEL - Thick-film Dialectric Electroluminescent technology. Toronto based
iFire has developed a 2.2 pound, 37 inch Flat Panel Display using TDEL.

THX Loudness Plus

THX Loudness Plus works by realizing that the reference signal level used for
movie mixing, is too loud for home use. THX Loudness Plus utilizes both THX
Multichannel Spectrum Balancing and THX Dynamic Ambience Preservation
to create the correct audio at low levels. licensed for Ultra2 Plus and Select2 Plus.

THX Select2

THX Surround EX

THX Surround EX is THX's implementation of decoding Dolby Digital EX.
It requires a pair of Back Surround Sound speakers, along with the
more normal Left and Right Surround Speakers (for a total of 7.1).
The two back surround speakers output slightly different signals.

UPCONVERTING = UPSCALING

Upconverting is the process of interpolating additional, computer generated
video display lines between existing, actual video display lines. The
process adds apparent quality to the display video. Note that upconverting
and re-sizing (changing from a 4x3 to a 16x9 size, for example) are difficult
tasks to do accurately. A really good upconverter is expensive to create,
adding to the cost of your HDTV (but well worth the investment).
Note that sometimes upconverting will yield a picture that looks worse
than the original, lower resolution video (especially if the upcoverter
is not robust enough).
Upconverting changes a video signal from one scanning rate to a signal
with a higher scanning rate.
The process of upconverting/downconvertiong and resizing is typically
done by what is referred to as a scaler.
How HD Upconverters Work - howstuffworksWhat is an HD Upconverter? - wisegeek
See also: Deinterlacing
See also: Downconverting
See also: DOWNRESOLUTION
See also: DVI
See also: HDMI
See also: HDTV
See also: Interlaced
See also: Line Doublers
See also: Native Rate
See also: Progressive Scan
See also: Realta
See also: Scalers / Scaling
See also: Switchers, Video

UPS / AVR

The main purpose of a UPS is to power electric equipment when your house
or office electric power goes out. While we expect our electric power to
be 120 volts AC, at 60 Hertz (cycles per second), and without spurious
electric signals (interference), The truth is, our electric power is often
dirty (contains interference), may vary considerbly from 120 volts, may
be higher or lower than 60 Hertz (cycles per second), and subject to
spikes, surges, sags, and brownouts - In other words, your electric power
may be very hard on your computers and other electronic equipment.
A UPS is an "Uninterruptable Power Supply". Cheaper units will consist
almost entirely of a battery(ies) and an inverter to convert the battery's
DC (direct Current) power to 120 Volt, 60 cycle AC (alternating current),
close to what you have in your house.
Better units will include some amount of surge protectiuon, and some
kind of filtering to lessen the impact of EFI and EMI interference.
Some UPS' incorporate AVR - Automatic Voltage Regulation - to adjust the input
voltage up or down, as necessary, to produce close to 120 volts. AVR should
prolong the life of delicate electronic equipment, while eleviating the effects
of brownouts, mild over-voltages, lightening strikes, etc..
No matter how good they are, no UPS/AVR can completely protect your equipment
against all possible problems, but they can really help.
There are a lot of good brands and models of UPS/AVRs,
Personally, I am using both CyberPower and APC AVRs.
My CyberPowers cost less, produce more watts and run
hotter than do my APC units. I like both brands.

REPLACEMENT UPS/AVR BATTERIES

You can get replacment batteries at Batteries Plus.
CyberPower likes to use HR9 batteries - they produce more current
(a good thing), but are harder to find. HR9 batteries can produce
9 AMPs per hour. Most brands of UPS', in my experience, seem to
use batteries rated at 7 AMPs per hour. I found that I had to
order HR9 batteries from my local Batteries Plus, but that they
carried a large supply of 7 AMP per hour replacment batteries,
which should work fine (instead of HR9s), but will shorten the
amount of run time the UPS provides (ones that take HR9 batteries).
The 7 AMPs per hour batteries ARE working fine - of course, when
I'm running on these batteries, I get less current (amps) than
with the original HR9 batteries.
I am using:
1] CyberPower CPS1500AVR (produces 950 watts at 120 volts, so they say)
2] APC Back-UPS RS 1500 AVR (produces 865 watts. so they say, at 120 volts)
3] CyberPower CPS1250AVR
If you are in a hurry, you can get replacement batteries at nation wide
Batteries Plus. NOTE that
currently (11/23/2009) Batteries Plus does not have all of the correct
amperage batteries, for example, they did not have 9 AMP/hour batteries
OR 9 AMP/hour batteries that I needed for some of more more robust AVRs.
Batteries Plue (9/23/2009) DID tell me that they will be carrying
9 AMP/hour batteries.
In regards to installing an 8 AMP/hour battery instead of the CPS1250AVR'S
9 AMP/hour batteries, I found this on the Internet:
Within the specifications of the UPS, the UPS should try and keep
the output voltage constant as the battery's output voltage decreases.
The current from the battery will have to increase since the volt-amps
need from the battery is, more or less, a constant for a given volt-
amps output. As the current increases, the voltage drops even further
due to circuit resistance (our dear friend Ohm and his law). At some
point the UPS should decide that the voltage from the battery is too
low and give up.
So, yes, an 8Ah battery will provide less run-time, but it's not like
you'll get 1/9th less runtime (9Ah versus 8Ah), probably something
closer to 1/5th less since voltage drop is related to the amount of
charge remaining, and you're reducing the charge remaining faster.
I'd have to sit down and do a bit of calculus to get a better estimate.
My recollection, and it's been a while, is that "amp hours" is measured
to when the output voltage drops to 10.5 volts under some constant load.
If you want a better idea, see if you can find the specifications the
manufacturer used to calculate the amp-hours for each battery. That
might give you a clue.
Quote:
Please let me know if I am not correct in my understanding now.
Thank you very much for your reply tallgirl !
Nope, your understanding is correct.
The only remaining issue is that the UPS charging circuit is designed for
a specific rate of charge, and that's typically linked to the battery's
capacity. Since your battery has an 11% smaller capacity, rather than,
say, 50% smaller, I can't see there being a major problem. But then,
I'm not the UL, UPS manufacturer, or anyone else who could say there
isn't an actual problem.
Lots of UPSes do not function well on non-sinewave (they don't output true
sine wave AC power) electric generators. One way around this, is to use
a line double conversion UPS - this type always runs off of the battery
while it charges the battery. There is no switching lag when the power goes
out, because they are already running on the battery. These are usually more
expensive that non double conversion models, generate more heat, and are
less efficient as they always convert the input line AC to DC, then take the
DC battery output and convert that into AC for you electic device.
I've seen a lot of Internet talk about the problem of NON double conversion
UPSs staying on battery power when a home generator is supplying the AC
power - my APC 1500 KVA unit has this problem. Some of my other friends
are not having this problem, and are successfully using a multitude of brands
of UPSs on their electric generators.
An online quote I saw: "have a 12KW Generac running Propane and once the
freqency was locked in at 60Hz [i]under load[/i] I had no problems. In fact,
the APC units I had were giving me fits until I reduced their sensitivity,
but the E3200 had no such problems.

APC Back-UPS RS 1500VA/865W

This APC UPS/AVR has a three position Sensitivity Setting, factory
set to the Medium Setting, according to the owner's manual, which
seems to contradict my experiences (my voltages should have allowed
the use of the HIGH Sensitivity Setting). Instead, my APC UPS would
NOT run on my Generac Generator AT ALL.
SENSITIVITY Input Voltage range USE WHENLOW 78 - 150 VAC Input voltage is extremely high or low -
NOT recommended for Computer Loads.
MEDIUM 83 - 147 VAC If UPS frequently goes "on-battery".
HIGH 88 - 144 VAC Connected equipment is sensitive to
Voltage Fluctuations.
I had to set my APC Back-UPS RS 1500VA (w/AVR) to LOW SENSITIVITY, to
allow the UPS to run on my Generac natrual gas generator, which NEVER
went below 105 volts AC, nor above 119 VAC, and stayed at 59 Hz.
My Three CyberPower UPS/AVR units had no trouble on the generator.
See also: GFI / GFCI / RCCB - Ground Fault Interrupters
See also: Natural Gas Electric Backup Generators
See also: Power Cleaners
See also: Surge Protectors
See also: Whole House Surge Protectors

VBI - Vertical Blanking Interval

VBI lines are used to allow the electron scanning beam to return
to the top and are used to contain other information.
VBR - Variable Bit Rate (encoding/decoding)

VEIL (VEIL-II)

Video Encoding Invisable Light - A means of plugging the analog hole
(whereby analog equipment could be used to process HD content), regardless
of the use of HDCP). VEIL-I was used for toys. VEIL provides Watermarking.
VEIL modifies the brightness of a video signal, essentially creating a
"zero" or "one" based on the brightness of the video signal. This brightness
variation allows analog equipment to recognize certain patterns, i.e., to
recognize that a VRAM exists in the analog signal, and to block processing
of the video signal. Now, how do you make this retroactive?

VIEWING DISTANCE - HDTV

The rule of thumb is to be 3,400 times the distance between the scan lines.
For example, if you have a 50-inch TV, with a resolution of 1280 by 768,
and the vertical height if the display area is 24.5 inches, then the ideal
viewing distance is: (24.5/768) * 3400 = 108.8 inches = about 9 feet.
If you sit further back, you won't be able to resolve the detail.
One potential problem when sitting too close to a bright TV is flicker.
Flicker is the physical perception of the actual flashing of the light
source. Normally, TVs flash to quickly for most people to notice. As
TVs get brighter, we tend to notice flicker more. The human eye can
better detect flicker in the periphery of your vision, than in the
central viewing area (so too close may make flicker more obvious in the
outer edges of our version.
Many people can detect the 60 cycle refresh rate that is used for both HD and NTSC TV.
Flicker (screen) - WikipediaClick here for more info on Refresh Rates.Refresh rate - WikipediaWhat is a Refresh Rate? - tech-faqVideo Frame Rate vs Screen Refresh Rate - What You Need To KnowHDTV Refresh Rate versus Frame Rate | Tech-EvangelistFlicker can be reduced by three things:
1] Moving back from the TV (placing the image more in the center of your vision)
2] Reducing the overall brightness of the display
3] Increasing the refresh rate (not an option on TVs). (- Digital TV and Sound)

vivix

Uses an HQV chip specially developed for Runco by Silicon Optix,
makers of the realta HQV video chip.

VMD - Versatile Multilayer Disc - another HD DVD format

VMD uses a red laser (unlike Blu-ray and HD-DVD) and multiple
layers to record an eventual 100 MB of data. New Medium Enterprises
(NME) has lined up six Indian, and some German and Chinese film
companies to provide DVD content. Players in the US will
be sold under the NME name.
VOD - Video On Demand (streaming feature)

VR - DVD Video Recording Mode

VR Mode allows editing the DVD directly, to change the Title,
Menu and Menu Color. Space formerly used by deleted scenes
and titles becomes available whne you reformat the DVD.
VR recorded discs can only be played on VR capable players.
VRAM - Veil Rights Assertion Mark, used to prevent analog equipment
from processing data that was originally distributed as HD content.

WATERMARKING / WATERMARKS

Watermarking is a means of embedding hidden but detectable data.
Bill H.R. 4569 would implement VEIL-II (Video Encoding Invisable Light).
If Bill H.R. 4569 is passed, all analog equipment would be required
to detect and prevent recording of video signals containing the
Veil Rights Assertion Mark (VRAM). This means that analog
equipment will not be able to process data that originated as a
Veil protected HD signal. VEIL-I was used for toys.
"Galaxy" is an earlier watermark.
WAV - WAV was a joint development effort between IBM and Microsoft.
Any program that plays audio files should be able to play Windows .wav files.
WAV files are not compressed. WAV files use an average bit rate of 1411.2Kbps.
Note that the typical MP3 files bit rate is 128Kbps, creating a much smaller file.
Widescreen TV - aspect ratio of 1.78:1 [also called "16 by 9"])

WOBULATION

Since there are currently (5/2006) no 1080p video sources available for public use,
Hewlett-Packard invented a technology that we call wobulation, to simulate
1080p video content (to fool the human eye).
HP first used wobulation to improve the resolution of 720p DLP displays.
Wobulation works by dividing each image frame into sub-frames. Pixels from the first
sub-frame are displayed and then, a very short time later (fractions of a second),
pixels from second sub-frame are shifted a minute amount, sideways, and then displayed
so that they seem to overlap the first sub-frame's pixels.
Wobulation effectively interlaces horizontal pixels, resulting in two effects:
1] The image appears to have twice it's real horizontal resolution - allowing the
use of cheaper 960x1080 pixel Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs).
2] The image appears a bit softer than it would otherwise.
Samsung's WiseLink supports USB 2.0 (and may be just that, USB 2.0).

XBOX 360 vs PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3)

Here are some "facts", that I believe to be true at this
(12/24/2010) time. These are either facts or opinions,
and the hardware and software is constantly changing
(so this information may be out of date quickly):
XBOX 360
=========
0) It is strongly rumored that Microsoft will issue a firmware change for the
Kinect cameras to double their resolution, so that they can better track
what the player is doing.
2) Almost all games are first developed for the XBOX 360, then ported to PS3
3) Online membership $50 / year.
4) Does NOT have a Blueray DVD player (PS3 does)
5) Uses 802.11b/g or n WiFi (wireless ethernet connection
6) 100 Mbps Ethernet
7) HDMI 1.2
8) Seems to have the best of the hands-free (a la Kinect) - 12/24/2010
9) Can output 1080i (not 'p')
10) Still has more games than PS3, but PS3 is adding more PS3 only games
11) 3.2 GHz Xenon processor
12) 3 dual-threaded cores
13) Maximum 77 GFlops
14) Requires Microsoft proprietary HDD format (have to buy HDD from Microsoft)
15) optimized to run at 720p
16) The computational power of the system itself sports the equivalent of 1 teraflops
17) The previous version (before the new 'S' [slim]) model) ran too hot, sometimes,
causing (a permanent) RED RING of DEATH (CPU failure)
18 The largest HDD that I have seen for sale for the XBOX 360 is 250 GB
PS3 - Sony PLAYSTATION 3
========================
1) Requires the DVD to be in the optical drive to run the game.
2) 1 Gbps Ethernet
3) Wifi is NOT n, only 802.11b or 802/11g
4) Online "membership" is free
5) Poor hands-free (a la Kinect) - OPINIONS
6) Fairly good Bluray player - HAS NO REMOTE
The Bluray player does upscaling, but opions on many
forums state that it does a poor job of upconverting
(converting lower resolutions to higher, such as 1080i).
7) HDMI 1.3 (includes functioning CEC for controlling other devices)
8) The computational power of the system itself sports the equivalent of 2 teraflops
9) Can output 1080p
10) 3.2 GHz Cell processor
11) 7 single-threaded cores (plus 1 backup core)
12) Maximum 230 GFlops
13) Can utilize any SATA drive - can buy from any vendor.
14) Seems to have slightly better graphics display
15) "PS3 seems to add extra lightning to scenes to hide poorer textures"
(opinions from forums - I have not been able to compare them)
16) optimized to run at 1080p (can also output 720p and 1080i, via downscaling)
17) The largest HDD that I have seen for sale for the PS3 is 320 GB
Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3: The Hardware Throwdown - Aug 26, 2010Xbox 360 vs. PS3 Graphics Comparison Round 5 - August 2010Compare Xbox 360 vs PS3 - Checking Out Xbox 360 vs PS3 Stats - Nov 28, 2009Comparison Chart - gossipgamers.com - August 23, 2009 Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360 - Reviews and News from Audioholics - JULY 2009See also Sony PLAYSTATION3 (PS3)See also XBOX 360

XCP - Extended Copy Protection

Sony has been using
First 4's XCP (Extended Copy Protection) software since early 2005 as a copy
protection mechanism for some of its music CDs, according to Sony spokesperson
John McKay. He could not say how many of Sony's CDs currently use the XCP
software, but he said it is one of two digital rights management productsused by Sony.
The other is SunnComm's MediaMax software, he said.

XCP2 Copy Protection

XCP2 is content protection software that was used by SONY BMG Music Entertainment
on some audio CDs during 2005 in the US. XCP-Aurora

YCbCr (or YCrCb)

A component digital video signal containing one luma and two chroma components.
DVD-Videos MPEG-2 encoding is based on YCbCr signals. Uses ITU-R BT.601

YCC

YCC is just a shorter way of saying YCrCb.
YCC is video terminology that's been around for decades. It's new only to photographers.
It's old hat to video design engineers. It's already inside your TV, every JPG and every
color video device ever made. A variant has been in Photoshop forever as the Lab (CIE L*a*b*)
color space. xvYCC is possible due to the use of LEDs or lasers as their light source.
YCC transmits or represents the three Red, Green and Blue (RGB) channels as a luminance (Y)
channel (Y) and two color-difference channels, Cr and Cb.
The advantage of YCC over RGB is that it can reduce overall file size by reducing resolution
of the color channels without altering the apparent resolution image, since the main Y
(luminance) signal is untouched. This allows better images for the same file size.
See also: Adobe RGB 1998
See also: RGB
See also: sRGBYELLOW BOOK - Commonly called CD-ROM. Extended the Red Book compact disc format to include
computer digital data.

YPrPb - Component (video) inputs

YPrPb is also referred to as YPbPr, PrPbY>, and PbPrY.
Y, Pr, Pb: Refers to the color video output jacks on DVD players with component video. Component
Video consists of three video cables, they are usually colored Red, Blue and Green. Component video
can carry a better video signal than S-Video, but is not quite as good as DVI or HDMI.
YPrPb is numerically equivalent to the YCbCr color space, but is designed for use in analog systems whereas YCbCr is for digital video.
Y - GREEN Connector - Y - is the Luminance (Luma), which is the brightness and gray scale portion of the signal.
Pr - RED Connector - CR - is the RED portion of the signal minus the luminance element.
Pb - BLUE Connector - CB - is the BLUE portion of the signal minus the luminance.
These (YPrPb) require less bandwidth than the R,G, B signals.
Benefit: Requires less processing and combining, produces better image quality, and
reduces chance of noise in the signal compared to traditional R, G, B signals.

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